Week 10 SAQ With The Ball

Instructions/Setup:

This SAQ practice takes place in a 20 by 20-yard area and focuses on developing quick feet through ladder drills while incorporating passing and receiving with an open body shape before running with the ball.

Set up a ladder on the ground and have several cones placed around the area to simulate different movement patterns. The practice will be divided into two main parts: SAQ (Speed, Agility, and Quickness) with the ball and quick passing/receiving under pressure.

To begin, players will work through the ladder drills to improve foot speed and agility. After completing the ladder, they will perform a short passing drill, passing the ball to a teammate while keeping their body open to receive it back. Players should focus on having a soft first touch and being prepared to move quickly into space after receiving the ball. Once they complete the passing sequence, they will then run with the ball to the next cone or station.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick feet – Emphasize the importance of fast, precise footwork in the ladder drills to improve agility and explosiveness. Players should focus on keeping their movements quick and controlled.

• Open body shape – Encourage players to receive passes with an open body shape, allowing them to quickly turn and play the ball in any direction. This will help them make quicker decisions in game situations.

• First touch – Players should concentrate on having a soft first touch, allowing them to control the ball effectively before moving forward. This will enable them to maintain possession and move the ball quickly.

• Running with the ball – After receiving the pass, players should focus on running with the ball in a controlled manner, using quick bursts of speed to move into space and beat defenders.

Progression 1: Add Pressure

Introduce a defender who will apply light pressure to the player after receiving the ball. The player must then make a quick decision, either passing the ball back or running with it to maintain possession.

Focus: Improve the players' ability to keep calm under pressure and their decision-making when facing a defender.

Progression 2: Increase Intensity

Increase the speed of the ladder drills and passing sequences to improve the players’ overall speed, decision-making, and ball control under fatigue.

Focus: Challenge the players to maintain high intensity throughout the practice, improving their fitness and ability to execute technical skills at speed.